MSc ANIMAL MANIPULATION
(OSTEOPATHIC PATHWAY)
PROSPECTUS
Validated by the University of Wales
THE ANIMAL OSTEOPATHIC PROGRAMME
The Animal Manipulation (Osteopathic techniques) programme is currently unique in
Europe, in that it is the only University validated masters-level course that trains
students in Animal Osteopathic techniques. Developed with the late Anthony Pusey,
this programme is designed for qualified osteopaths who wish to transfer their skills to
the care of animals.
Structure
The course is run in conjunction with Warwickshire College where the first year of the
course is undertaken. A wide range of academic subjects are studied as well as an
introduction to the philosophy and practice of animal techniques. The second year of
the course is conducted at various sites throughout the country where the practical skills
are taught under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. The course is semestered
over two years and students are required to attend monthly weekend tutorial sessions
primarily at Warwickshire College. The course is taught at Masters level and students
must be capable of working at this standard.
The Course
The course is taught over two years, and leads to the award of a MSc in Animal
Manipulation (Osteopathic Techniques) from the University of Wales. The academic
year begins in January of each year.
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Objectives of the Course
By the end of the course successful students will have acquired the experience,
knowledge and confidence to:

Give a safe and competent animal osteopathic treatment.

Understand their role within the animal health / welfare field, together with their
relationships to other colleagues and owner’s / carers.

Be able to communicate with other professionals involved in the animal health
and welfare field.

Interpret research findings and their implications for animal treatment.

Understand the major legal, ethical and social implications of animal care.
Entry Requirements
The programme is open to applicants who meet the following criteria (pathway
specific):
 The holding of a professional qualification in Osteopathy, which would qualify the
holder for registration with the GOsC.
 All students must satisfy the interviewers of their aptitude for animal work.
 All students must provide evidence of an up-to-date tetanus vaccination and
provide adequate personal liability insurance.
All applicants for the MSc must complete the examination for the safe handling of
animals, and some applicants may be required to complete the module itself.
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Course Aims
The overall aim of the course is to offer sound teaching in the theory and practice of
osteopathic animal manipulation, with particular emphasis on Osteopathic techniques. It
aims to produce safe, competent and reflective practitioners as well as encouraging
opportunities for research and further postgraduate studies. The course aims are:

To provide solid teaching in the theory and practice of osteopathic animal
manipulation.

To give opportunities for personal and professional development.

To contribute to the research base of this specialisation and to encourage
research amongst practitioners.

To promote animal osteopathic manipulation as a safe and practical method
of treating animals.

To provide safe, competent and reflective practitioners.

To encourage the establishment of the cohesive professional view formalised
in a new professional body for animal osteopathy.

To set levels of competency and to place the work of practitioners in an
ethical and philosophic context.
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Course Modules
Year 1
FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY
Students will be able to understand the structure and function of the animal articular
skeleton in the context of normal movement, and identify key clinical syndromes that
impact on the normal anatomy, biomechanics and neurology of animals.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Students will be able to evaluate complex scenarios associated with nutrition,
pharmacological intervention and pathological processes in equine, canine and other
animals.
CLINIC ASSESSMENT I (PALPATION)
Students will be able to evaluate and critically reflect on the application of techniques
underlying psychomotor skills. These focus on effective palpation of normal and
abnormal musculoskeletal structures of equines and canines, and accurate, and safe
setups in preparation for adjusting techniques.
CLINIC ASSESSMENT II (GAIT)
Students will be able to evaluate and critically reflect on normal and abnormal gait and
the impact of external factors such as rider and saddle, on the normal functioning and
behaviour of animals.
CLINICAL EVALUATION
Students will be able to conduct a physical examination of the animal, and determine
which clinical presentations would require, or benefit from, referral to another specialist.
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Year 2
PRACTICAL & PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Students will be able to evaluate intervention options, demonstrate proficiency in
applying osteopathic techniques to animals and reflect on all aspects relating to practice
management, synthesising information gained from a wide variety of sources in order to
develop an optimal and realistic operational practice.
RESEARCH
Students will be able to develop a research question and produce a research
dissertation.
Course Structure
The programme is divided into three main areas:

Structural and Integrated Sciences
(Year 1)

Clinical and Applied Sciences
(Year 1)

Practice and Professionalism
(Year 2)
The Structural and Integrated Sciences provide the basic science of the animal in health
and disease. The Clinical and Applied Sciences provide the tools for assessing the
normal and abnormal functioning of the animal when static and in motion, and leads to
the decision in terms of whether, and how to intervene appropriately. The Practice and
Professionalism section relates to all activities subsequent to that decision, ie the skills
relating to practical adjusting, practice management and life long learning.
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Programme progression
Each student must have satisfied the criteria of assessment and achieved the
appropriate number of credits for that year before being allowed to progress to the
following year. Students progress through the programme as shown below. At the end
of the second year, students graduate with the necessary skills to become independent
animal care practitioners.
Year 1
Modules
Semester
1
Semester
2
Year 2
Semester
1
Semester 2
Functional Anatomy
Pathophysiology
Clinical Assessment I
(Palpation)
Clinical Assessment II
(Gait)
Clinical Evaluation
Research
Practical &
Professional Skills
Upon Qualifying
Those working on animals in the UK must work with veterinary approval. Those
wishing to work abroad must refer to the governing bodies of individual countries.
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Methods Of Assessment
Students are assessed by a variety of means appropriate to the course module. These
may include written examination, projects, oral presentation and practical assessment.
The aim is to build students' knowledge and confidence so that they may progress
through the course and be ready for final assessment. The demands are both
academic and practical and frequently involve the students in considered reflection
upon their own experience and development. In the case of the animal course the
expectation is that students will already have a degree or equivalent qualification, and
work is at postgraduate level.
The tutorial staff, Course Leader and Course Manager closely monitors student
progress. Any difficulties encountered by the student are dealt with sensitively and
remedial work is undertaken to bring the student up to the required standard. All
modules are summatively assessed and constitute an essential part of the course.
Students are kept fully informed of their progress. Most module assessments can be
retaken and an appeals procedure exists for students who wish to make the Examining
Board aware of any relevant extenuating circumstances. Special regulations apply to
students who fail summative examinations and cost will be incurred if retakes are
required. All final results are published and referred to the validating university for
confirmation.
Assessment methods are constantly being evaluated and the examining and academic
boards review the current methods on a regular basis.
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COURSE DATES AND FEES
COURSE DATES
MSc Animal Manipulation (Osteopathic Pathway) for 2012
Dates available upon application.
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FEES AND FINANCE
MSc Animal Manipulation (Osteopathic Pathway) Course Fees
£
First Year (2012)
Fees
4,587
Registration fee to the University Of Wales (once only)
585
Animal Handling Day (including examination)
75
Student Union Levy
10
Registration fee to the McTimoney College (once only)
120
The entire year’s fees are due on commencement, but, subject to satisfactory
references, the following method of payment will apply:
The first three months fees, plus the Registration fees, are payable at the first tutorial
session in January. After that, fees may be paid monthly in advance by banker’s
standing order (subject to good standing).
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